Camp Helen State Park

A sketch of “Eric’s Sea Monster” is in the visitor center at Camp Helen State Park, overlooking Powell Lake, one of the largest freshwater coastal dune lakes in the world. These lakes are rare biological and geological gems, found only on the coasts of Australia and Africa and along this stretch of the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City Beach and Destin.

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A collection of 1930s log-and-stone cottages and a lodge in the Civilian Conservation Corps style sit on a high bluff overlooking the Gulf and the lake, and served as a vacation retreat for employees of the Avondale Textile Mills in Alabama between 1945 and 1987. Each fall, the Friends of Camp Helen State Park hold a history-and-ghost walk to recapture the spirits of the past.

Beyond the sea monster story, the real secret of Camp Helen State Park is its prime beach access, a walk down a breezy causeway between the lakes—and a perfect spot for a morning sun and swim. The newest section of the park, across US 98 on the north side of the highway, has an accessible trail showcasing a variety of habitats.

Trail Map

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Camp Helen State Park opens new hiking trail-While working on research for project in process, I was delighted to see that Camp Helen State Park – of the notable sea monster of Lake Powell – has added a nature trail on the north side of US 98. Fully accessible, this 0.8 mile loop provides an easy stroll with rest benches along the […]

Comments

Hello, I am seeking more information about the Powell Lake monster stories. This is a newspaper article about me: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/LK/20160405/News/605205492/SH/ . Specifically, I wanted to ask if someone could take a cellphone picture of Eric Padgett’s monster sketch and send it to me as an email attachment. Any help would be much appreciated, thank you!